Serengeti for a first safari

Serengeti is one of the best choices for a first safari.

Suitability: ★★★★★

Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania was established in 1951 to protect the ecosystem behind the Great Migration. Its habitats range from open grass plains to woodland and rivers.

Why Serengeti for a first safari?

• With the Big Five present, it delivers a classic first safari.
• 3–5 days are enough for a good experience.

What awaits you in Serengeti

• The Great Migration of over a million wildebeest with zebra
• Calving season on the southern plains
• High densities of lion and cheetah
• Hot-air balloon flights
• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981

Wildlife you may encounter: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, black rhino, buffalo, giraffes and zebras.

Suggested time on the ground: 3 to 5 days. Most visitors travel from Arusha by road via the Ngorongoro area, a long day's drive, or fly by light aircraft to airstrips such as Seronera.

Activities that fit

game drives and walking safaris.

When to go

The best period overall is January to February and June to September.

Herds are on the southern plains near Ndutu; calving usually peaks in February-March and attracts predators.

Other destinations for a first safari

• Masai Mara Kenya
• Merzouga Morocco
• Ngorongoro Tanzania
• Pilanesberg South Africa
• Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
• Kruger South Africa

Full Serengeti guideBest safaris for a first safari

Sources: TANAPA - Serengeti National Park · TANAPA - About Serengeti · Climates to Travel - Serengeti
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.